Preview: children's theatre show Glimmer comes to Glasgow

'We’re using a personal story to explore universal themes of family, companionship and sharing memories'

Christmas, as the glossy TV adverts will confirm, is all about how much stuff you can purchase, money you can spend and gifts you can receive. On the off-chance you’d rather buy into a different approach, Glas(s) Performance’s new show, Glimmer is touting the less glamorous notion that family, friends and quality time are the key to a good festive season.

‘We called the show Glimmer, because in dark times what is the thing you can look to?,’ asks Jess Thorpe, co-artistic director of Glas(s). ‘And the answer is each other. It’s not about stuff or shopping or all the things it sometimes feels like it’s about.’ To illustrate her point, Thorpe has recruited real-life sisters Megan and Rosie, only one of whom is filled with the Christmas spirit. ‘Megan has forgotten how to feel joyful about the season,’ explains Thorpe. ‘She’s focussing more on the fact that it’s cold and dark. So the story of the show is her sister trying lots of different ways to remind her what’s important: spending time with the people you love.’

Because Megan and Rosie actually did grow up together, the show features real photos and memorabilia which Rosie uses to remind her sister how much fun they’ve had over the years. ‘Megan and Rosie used to be in our young company, Junction 25,’ says Thorpe. ‘They’ve since gone to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Glasgow University, and come back as performers. The show is devised from their real-life Christmas stories, with Rosie showing Megan all the things she has to be joyful about. We’re using a personal story to explore universal themes of family, companionship and sharing memories.’